Which Has More Caffeine, Coffee or Matcha Latte?

November 12, 2025 •

4 min read

An average 8-ounce cup of brewed coffee contains approximately 95 mg of caffeine, significantly more than the typical 70 mg found in a standard serving of matcha. The question of which has more caffeine, coffee or matcha latte, is nuanced by how the body processes each beverage, leading to distinct energy experiences.

Quick Summary

This article compares the caffeine content of coffee and matcha, exploring how varying absorption rates and key compounds like L-theanine affect energy levels, focus, and potential side effects like jitters and crashes. It examines the nutritional differences and preparation methods to help you decide which beverage best suits your needs.

Key Points

Coffee has more caffeine per serving: A standard cup of coffee contains approximately 95 mg of caffeine, notably higher than the ~70 mg in an average matcha latte.
Matcha offers a gentler, sustained energy: The amino acid L-theanine in matcha modulates caffeine absorption, leading to a prolonged energy boost without the jittery side effects or crash associated with coffee.
Preparation methods influence caffeine levels: The final caffeine content in both drinks depends on preparation—brewing style for coffee and powder quantity for matcha.
Antioxidant profiles differ significantly: Matcha is exceptionally rich in antioxidants like EGCG, providing a more robust nutritional profile compared to coffee.
Distinct energy experiences: Coffee provides a fast, intense 'jolt', while matcha delivers a state of 'calm alertness' that lasts for several hours.
Side effects vary: Coffee's rapid caffeine release can cause jitters, anxiety, and crashes, which are mitigated by L-theanine in matcha.

Comparing the Caffeine Levels and Effects

The caffeine content difference between coffee and a matcha latte goes beyond simple milligrams. While coffee typically has a higher dose per serving, the presence of other compounds in matcha fundamentally alters how that caffeine affects your body. Understanding this distinction is key to choosing the right drink for your desired energy boost.

Caffeine: A Tale of Two Deliveries

Coffee's energy boost is often described as a 'jolt' or a 'rush' because its caffeine is absorbed into the bloodstream very quickly. This rapid absorption can lead to a surge in adrenaline and glucose, providing a powerful initial lift but often followed by a noticeable crash a few hours later. For those sensitive to stimulants, this can also cause jitters, anxiety, and a rapid heart rate.

In contrast, matcha offers a smoother, more sustained energy release. This is due to the amino acid L-theanine, which is abundant in green tea leaves used for matcha. L-theanine binds with caffeine, slowing down its absorption and providing a state of 'calm alertness'. This unique interaction mitigates the side effects of a rapid caffeine spike, resulting in steady focus over a longer period without the crash.

Nutritional Nuances: More Than Just Caffeine

The difference between these two popular drinks extends to their nutritional profiles, influencing not only energy but overall health. When drinking coffee, you are consuming an infusion of the bean's compounds. With matcha, you are consuming the entire shade-grown, ground-up tea leaf, which provides a denser nutritional package.

Matcha is exceptionally rich in antioxidants, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which has been linked to numerous health benefits, including reduced inflammation. Coffee also contains antioxidants, such as chlorogenic acids, but generally in lower concentrations than matcha. The antioxidants and L-theanine in matcha contribute to better teeth health and can help reduce stress.

Here is a comparison of typical caffeine content and effects:


Feature	Average Coffee	Standard Matcha Latte	Notes
Caffeine (per 8 oz)	95–200 mg	~70 mg	Coffee is significantly higher.
Energy Delivery	Fast, intense spike	Slow, sustained release	Matcha provides prolonged focus.
Energy Duration	1–3 hours	3–6 hours	Matcha's effect lasts much longer.
Common Side Effects	Jitters, crash, anxiety	Calm, steady focus	L-theanine in matcha prevents crashes.
Antioxidant Content	Contains antioxidants (chlorogenic acids)	Very high (especially EGCG)	Matcha has substantially more antioxidants.
Key Compound	None beyond caffeine	L-theanine	L-theanine promotes relaxation.
Teeth Staining	Can stain teeth	Less likely to stain teeth	Chlorophyll in matcha is beneficial.

Preparation and Concentration

The final caffeine content also depends heavily on preparation. A coffee's strength can be varied by brewing method (drip, espresso, cold brew), bean type, and grind size. For matcha, the amount of powder used is the primary determinant. A standard serving of matcha powder (1–2 grams) contains 35–70 mg of caffeine. However, some opt for a double serving in their latte for an extra kick, increasing the total caffeine. Cold brew coffee and espresso shots can also be very high in caffeine, further highlighting the variability.

How to Choose Your Brew

For those seeking a rapid, powerful wake-up call, a morning coffee is the most potent choice. It provides an immediate surge of energy, ideal for early risers needing a quick start. For individuals who experience negative side effects from coffee's fast-acting caffeine, or those who need sustained, jitter-free focus for long work sessions or studying, a matcha latte is the superior option. It provides a cleaner energy boost and is often gentler on the stomach. Ultimately, the better choice depends on your body's sensitivity and your energy goals for the day.

Conclusion

In the direct comparison of milligrams, coffee contains more caffeine per typical serving than a matcha latte. However, the story doesn't end there. The key distinction lies in the quality of the energy provided. Coffee delivers a rapid, intense, but short-lived boost, often followed by a crash. Matcha, thanks to the amino acid L-theanine, provides a slower, more sustained, and calming energy without the common crash. With its high antioxidant content and gentler effect on the body, matcha offers a compelling alternative for those seeking a steadier lift throughout the day. Your choice depends on whether you prefer a quick spike or prolonged, focused energy.

Which has more caffeine, coffee or matcha latte? - The Verdict

While coffee contains more caffeine in a single serving, the slower absorption from matcha's L-theanine content delivers longer-lasting, more stable energy without the jitters and crash often associated with coffee's quick-acting stimulant. Real Simple - Matcha vs. Coffee

Key Takeaways

Caffeine Content: A standard cup of coffee typically contains more caffeine than a standard serving of a matcha latte.
Energy Delivery: Coffee provides a rapid energy spike followed by a crash, whereas matcha offers a smoother, sustained energy boost.
The Role of L-theanine: The amino acid L-theanine in matcha binds with caffeine, slowing its absorption and creating a state of calm, focused alertness.
Antioxidants: Matcha contains significantly more antioxidants, particularly EGCG, than coffee.
Preparation Impact: The final caffeine amount varies based on brewing method for coffee and the quantity of powder for matcha.
Best Choice: For a quick, intense lift, choose coffee. For sustained, jitter-free focus, a matcha latte is preferable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Coffee has more caffeine in a typical serving. An 8-ounce cup of coffee contains an average of 95 mg of caffeine, while a standard matcha latte typically has around 70 mg.

Coffee provides a faster energy boost because its caffeine is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream. This quick uptake leads to an immediate surge in alertness, which can be followed by a sharp drop or crash.

L-theanine is an amino acid found in matcha that binds with caffeine. It slows down the caffeine's absorption, resulting in a gradual, sustained release of energy and a state of calm alertness, preventing the jitters.

Yes, because the caffeine in matcha is absorbed more slowly due to the presence of L-theanine, it provides a steadier stream of energy that typically prevents the sudden crash experienced with coffee.

Beyond caffeine, matcha contains significantly more antioxidants, like EGCG, than coffee. Its whole-leaf consumption provides a denser nutrient profile, contributing to benefits like reduced inflammation and stress relief.

For coffee, the brewing method (e.g., drip vs. espresso) and bean type affect caffeine levels. For matcha, the amount of powder used is the primary factor, allowing drinkers to adjust the caffeine dose.

Matcha is generally a better choice for those with sensitive stomachs or anxiety. It is often gentler on the digestive system and the L-theanine-driven energy release is less likely to trigger anxiety or palpitations.